Gavin Boyce-Ratliff

Founder & Principal Designer

With a background in landscape construction and environmental humanities, Gavin’s love for garden design grows out of long days in the dirt. He creates award winning, immersive gardens with the belief that plants have the power to make our lives better.

Growing up on a sheep farm in the green mountains of Vermont, Gavin has always had a strong appreciation for native New England flora and the historic landscapes found in both town and pasture. He has worked in landscape architecture offices in Vermont, Connecticut, and Maine, and holds a degree in landscape architecture from Cornell University. A certified horticulturist in several New England states, he strives to create landscapes grounded in their environment, culture, and circumstance.

Read more about Gavin’s ethos around garden design here.

Hailey HErring-Newbound

Hailey’s design work is rooted in the importance of environmental stewardship and the positive impact that time outdoors has on mental health. Having designed gardens from California to New England, and with a background in graphic design and illustration, Hailey brings a thoughtful, creative approach to outdoor spaces. 

Raised in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Hailey developed an early connection to rural landscapes, time spent in the garden, and changing seasons. A graduate of Williams College, Hailey also earned a degree in Landscape Architecture at Merritt College. Outside of the office, Hailey enjoys cold-water swimming and exploring the islands of coastal Maine.

Associate Designer

ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Maine Certified Horticulturist

Vermont Certified Horticulturist

Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist

American Society of Landscape Architects - Member

Boston Society of Landscape Architects - Member

Vermont Natural Shoreland Erosion Control (Certified)

Perennial Plant Association - Member

Ecological Landscape Alliance - Member

GBR_LANDSCAPE ON INSTAGRAM

How does it go? The cobbler’s children have no shoes? The irony of getting the privilege to design such exciting gardens for our clients is that our own spaces are last on the list. Looking forward to a big year of changes at our place in Br
A whirlwind day en route to Manchester for the @wildinggardens conference. Jet lag, narrow roads, and a Shropshire sunset.
28 degrees felt balmy yesterday after a stretch of colder weather. Almost makes you want to look ahead to greener days like this…
Grateful to be going into another year as a featured designer at @archdigest Looking ahead at an exciting slate of projects and collaborations in ‘26. Have a restful holiday season, and see you in the garden soon!
Bio retention ponds should be an attractive piece of the landscape! We used large drifts of grasses, ferns, and shrubs here to create something both functional and beautiful. Instead of a grassed over swale in the middle of the new cottages at @a
It’s impossible to have an enjoyable project without enjoyable clients. Considering ourselves lucky to do this work, and collaborate with people like you every day.
Colors of fall.
All but a few oaks have dropped their leaves by now. We had a wet year. We had a dry year. We’ll see if we have a snowy year. But this old apple tree’s still hanging on and telling me keep things in perspective. It’s seen it all.
Looking ahead to a spring project in Bristol on this gray October afternoon.
Beaver Meadow Garden’s firework finale, before seed heads take center stage for the winter. October brings a beautiful blend of hope and mourning to the landscape. The days toiling outside are numbered, but we also get to sit back and appreci
Taking stock of a summer of special gardens. The drought this summer meant I had very different small talk with those in the industry and those just happy to have sunny weekends. But a period of extended drought also shines a light on the resilie
Seed going down to wrap up this project in Lyme. Landscape Design: @gbr_landscape Landscape Installation: Abiding Tree Stone wall: @marginedmallet @stonebearmason Stone: @sugarledgestone and @authenticfieldstone Plants: @vanberkumnursery and @n
A stone master class from @featherandwedgemasonry, using a mix of reclaimed granite and fieldstone harvested from the property. Big thanks to @be_tee for his fern sod assistance today.
One of those classic late summer days. Happy for good friends, exciting work, and cooler mornings.
If we’re not going to get any rain, these cooler mornings are a welcome change. The cool season grasses are reaching up for their last push of the year, and our borders are gracefully turning into an important food source for birds before winte
Just follow the ferns… #landscapedesi̇gn #newengland #garden #gardendesign
The entry garden at our Hanover Woodland. Design: @gbr_landscape Installation : @gbr_landscape and @dtlandworks Garden Care: @myrootedgardens House Renovations: @mayorkennedyarchitects

  • “We had the pleasure of working with Gavin after competing significant renovations of our home. Gavin skillfully guided us through an extensive process that included visioning, designing, planning, implementing, and following up. He used excellent subcontractors for hardscaping, sourcing and installing plants, and maintenance; provided a detailed budget for the proposed work and came in within budget; and, at completion, shared extensive documentation of our plantings and instructions for ongoing maintenance. Gavin has vast knowledge of plants as well as excellent communication, interpersonal, and listening skills for brainstorming and collaborative work. We could not be more pleased with the process and results.”

    — J.C. (Hanover, NH)

  • “We’ve had the pleasure of working with GBR Landscape and Design for over a year, and the experience has been wonderful.

    Gavin has been an invaluable consultant, helping us maintain our existing garden and grounds while guiding us through the planning and execution of a multistep home renovation and landscape revitalization design project.

    From the beginning, Gavin has been an excellent collaborator and communicator. His expertise and care has created a plan that is both whimsical and sustainable and his thoughtful approach and attention to detail has given us confidence at every step.

    Professionally, Gavin exemplifies practicality, flexibility, and responsiveness, which have made the entire process seamless and enjoyable. Importantly, Gavin has teamed well with the architect, GC, and subs to coordinate design and execution.

    We wholeheartedly recommend GBR Landscape and Design to anyone looking for a creative, reliable, and collaborative partner.”

    -E.F. (Norwich, VT)

  • “Gavin listened well to my vision, and came up with beautiful and creative solutions for a somewhat challenging site. He paid attention to practical matters including cost, easy care, and use of native plants. It was a delight working with him to create the garden that I have always wanted.”

    – N.P. (Norwich, VT)

  • “Gavin was an absolute pleasure to work with on a moderate-sized landscaping job earlier this year. He was completely professional, thoughtful, conscientious, and got the job done on budget and on time (no small feat). He has great vision for landscape design and gave us helpful suggestions, which were greatly appreciated! I would gladly have him do other projects with us in the future!”

    – G.D. (Hanover, NH)

  • “Gavin was instrumental in providing options on how to move forward with our project, and helped us determine a scope and budget. He also supported us in the selection of and communication with a contractor. He is extremely knowledgeable about landscape design and is a responsive and organized project manager!”

    -M.A. (Falmouth, ME)

  • Gavin created a beautiful palette that transformed our shoreline garden into something very special. He did exactly what he said he would and when he said he would. We love the result!

    -J.S. (Harpswell, ME)

  • “Gavin provided us with an excellent resolution to our garden drainage problem in a timely and cost efficient manner…On time and within estimated budget. We highly recommend him.”

    – P.M. + J.G. (Norwich, VT)

  • “Gavin did a terrific job with our landscape. He was exceptionally professional, personable, and responsive throughout our work together. We’re very pleased with the result, and we would work with him again in a heartbeat”

    -D.H. (Hanover, NH)

  • “I have worked with Gavin on two major projects and found him to be knowledgeable, friendly, and reliable. He worked with Hanover High School’s Environmental Club along with 150 students and teachers to replace several of the school’s gardens with native plants. His incredible patience with the students and willingness to share his knowledge with them was evident throughout the project. I was so impressed I asked him to design a garden at our home in Norwich. His selection of plants and their placement shows layers of color throughout the season, and attracts a host of pollinators. Gavin is a professional who is easy to work with, thoughtful in his planning, honest and responsive. I highly recommend Gavin if you are interested in pursuing any gardening project. He is top notch!”

    -J.K. (Norwich, VT)

JOIN THE TEAM

Gavin is always interested in connecting with people passionate about plants and place-making. To learn more about job opportunities at GBRLD, read more here.